Hockey Ad Network

Friday, February 21, 2014

The Rio Grande Valley Killer Bees, proud members of the North American Hockey League (NAHL), are pleased to announce that defenseman Dylan Abood has committed to play NCAA Division I hockey for the Air Force Academy. Air Force competes in the Atlantic Hockey Association (AHA).

Abood, 20, is in his third full season in the NAHL. Abood grew up just about an hour away from Air Force in Centennial, Colorado. The announcement comes just days after Abood appeared in the 2014 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament as a part of team South. It was Abood’s second appearance in the Top Prospects Tournament as he also played in the event in 2012.

Abood (5’8/160) is having a good season this year so far with the Killer Bees. In 47 games played to date, Abood has 16 points (all assists) and is a +20. Abood played the previous two seasons with the Wenatchee Wild. In 153 career NAHL regular season games, Abood has 46 points (5 goals, 41 assists) and is a career +53. He has also appeared in 22 career Robertson Cup playoff games.

"We could not be more proud of an individual than we are of Dylan Abood and his commitment to Air Force. Dylan is a leader both on and off the ice, and possesses a competitive nature I've rarely seen in a player at the junior level,” said Killer Bees head coach Joe Coombs.

"Dylan's compete level and work ethic are second to none, and he is one of the most special human beings I've been around. Air Force is getting an incredible young man whose leadership is personified in putting the needs of the team and his teammates before his own".

Coombs said he knew it was only a matter of time before Abood received a NCAA D-I offer, "He has done everything we have asked of him, and more, so to see this come to fruition for him, it all goes right back to his work ethic, determination, and willingness to serve others."

Abood will join an Air Force program that has won five Atlantic Hockey Association championships since joining the conference in 2006. The Falcons currently have the best overall record in the AHA. The Air Force Falcons their scouting and recruiting efforts on the NAHL, as 20 of the 26 players on their current roster have NAHL experience. Both head coach Frank Serratore and assistant coach Joe Doyle were in attendance at the 2014 NAHL Top Prospects Tournament earlier this week.